Rhode Island has a bridge problem. Can the state learn from the past?

Rhode Island has a bridge problem. Can the state learn from the past?

From Rhode Island Report by The Boston Globe

May 14, 2026 · 1h 29m · Episode 264

About this episode

The episode discusses Rhode Island's bridge issues and the state's historical challenges with urban highway infrastructure.

A flawed bridge, frayed nerves, fraught politics – this has been a daily reality for Rhode Islanders since the abrupt closure of the Washington Bridge westbound in 2023. But it’s not the first time the state has grappled with how to replace a critical highway bridge. Rhode Island Report partnered with GBH's Big Dig podcast for a live conversation about Providence’s complicated relationship with its urban highways. The Big Dig host Ian Coss joined host Edward Fitzpatrick to interview Mike Lewis, former director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and Zachary Cunha, former United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island. This is a lightly edited recording of that discussion. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

People in this episode

Hosts: Ian Coss, Edward Fitzpatrick

Guests: Mike Lewis, Zachary Cunha

Topics covered

  • bridge infrastructure
  • Rhode Island politics
  • urban highways
  • transportation issues
  • public safety

Keywords

  • Rhode Island
  • Washington Bridge
  • infrastructure
  • transportation
  • urban highways
  • politics
  • public safety

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Rhode Island Department of Transportation, United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island

Places: Rhode Island, Providence

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